Push email specialist Synchronica has sealed an order for 20,000 units of its soon-to-be-launched MessagePhone, a low cost mobile device that allows users access to emails, instant messaging and social networking sites on 2G networks.

The UK-based company, which is targeting developing markets including Africa and Asia with the device, said the order was signed by one of its partners, and came from "one of the largest worldwide operator groups in emerging markets."

The MessagePhone, which features a large colour screen and full qwerty keyboard, is due to be launched on February 10.

The device is being manufactured by a "leading Asian ODM" and is being supported by "the world's largest wireless distributor" according to a statement from Synchronica, whose Mobile Gateway messaging platform supports the device's email, instant messaging and social networking functions. The device also features a full HTML web browser and supports RSS feeds.

Company Articles

The deal is the second purchase order Synchronica has received since it entered a collaboration agreement with third parties to design, build, market and sell low cost mobile devices in July 2009.

Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Synchronica, said: "The order from such a dominant operator in the telecommunications market and in Latin America shows the traction of Synchronica's product in regions where PC ownership is low and where operators can offer email and mobile synchronisation direct to customers on a low cost device."

Last year, a number of operators in Africa signed deals with Synchronica to use its Mobile Gateway platform to offer their customers push email on basic handsets.